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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," stated the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, further states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this international debate continues, the actions of this nation and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.